The fantasy football regular season has come to end! After a lot of close games over the weekend, the playoff schedule has been set.
In week 12, the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and St. Louis Rams all managed to win fantasy games they lost in real life. For each of these teams it was a case of being too little, too late, but they at least finished their fantasy seasons with a win.
High score of the week goes to the New Orleans Saints, who scored 128 points against the New York Giants.
Low score falls to the San Francisco 49ers at 29 points. Not exactly the best showing for a division champion, but they play in the NFC West, so this loss didn't hurt their playoff seeding at all.
Closest Games of the Week: Oakland Raiders 80, Chicago Bears 78 / Buffalo Bills 80, New York Jets 78. Both games came down to the wire and were decided late in the fourth quarter. Too bad none of these teams were rewarded with a playoff spot for their valiant efforts.
Fantasy Star of the Week: Drew Brees, 36 points. It's always fun when your quarterback throws for four touchdowns and runs for one more.
The following teams have clinched Creative Misfortune playoff spots (weeks 13-16):
AFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Houston Texans (9-2, 845 pts)
2. Baltimore Ravens (8-3, 821 pts)
3. New England Patriots (7-4, 968 pts)
4. San Diego Chargers (6-5, 803 pts)
Wild Cards ~
5. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3, 765 pts)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3, 760 pts)
NFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Green Bay Packers (9-2, 997 pts)
2. New Orleans Saints (9-2, 975 pts)
3. Dallas Cowboys (8-3, 905 pts)
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-5, 740 points)
Wild Cards ~
5. Detroit Lions (7-4, 914 pts)
6. New York Giants (7-4, 851 pts)
Creative Misfortune Playoff Schedule:
Week 13 - Wild Card Games; Top Seeded teams play for "bye-week" advantage*
Week 14 - Divisional Games
Week 15 - Championship Games
Week 16 - Creative Misfortune Fantasy Bowl II
Wild Card Game Matchups - Week 13
AFC #6 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cincinnati) at
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing vs Indianapolis)
AFC #5 Cincinnati Bengals (playing at Pittsburgh) at
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing at Jacksonville)
NFC #6 New York Giants (playing vs Green Bay) at
NFC #3 Dallas Cowboys (playing at Arizona)
NFC #5 Detroit Lions (playing at New Orleans) at
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing vs St. Louis)
Top Seeds Playing for Bye-Week Advantage*
AFC #1 - Houston Texans (playing vs Atlanta)
AFC #2 - Baltimore Ravens (playing at Cleveland)
NFC #1 - Green Bay Packers (playing at New York Giants)
NFC #2 - New Orleans Saints (playing vs Detroit)
*Bye-week Advantage - To reflect the benefit gained by the top 2 seeds in each conference getting a bye week before they host Divisional Playoff games, the four teams who earn these bye weeks in the fantasy standings will play Week 13 to gain bonus points that will be added to their score in the Divisional Playoff round. For every 4 points they score in their Week 13 game, they will receive 1 bonus point in their Divisional round matchup.
For example, if the Houston Texans scored 80 fantasy points in Week 13 against Atlanta, they would receive 20 bonus points (80/4) for their Divisional matchup. Conversely, if they had an off week and scored 22 fantasy points, they would only receive 5 bonus points (22/4, any fractional points rounded down).
Since there are no bye weeks between the Divisional games and the Championship games, bonus points will only be a factor in the Divisional playoff games.
Week 12 Game Results:
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 81, Detroit Lions 50
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (20), James Jones (15), Greg Jennings (13)
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (14), Maurice Morris (11), Calvin Johnson (10)
Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy Score: Miami Dolphins 69, Dallas Cowboys 65
Miami's Key Performers: Brandon Marshall (16), Matt Moore (13), Shayne Graham (12)
Dallas' Key Performers: Laurent Robinson (19), Tony Romo (13), DeMarco Murray (12)
San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 62, San Francisco 49ers 29
San Francisco's Key Performers: David Akers (9), Michael Crabtree (5), Alex Smith (4)
Baltimore's Key Performers: Defense (18), Joe Flacco (10), Billy Cundiff (10)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 52, Kansas City Chiefs 37
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Defense (13), Ben Roethlisberger (9), Shaun Suisham (8)
Kansas City's Key Performers: Ryan Succop (12), Defense (9), Dwayne Bowe (6)
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
Fantasy Score: Denver Broncos 60, San Diego Chargers 56
Denver's Key Performers: Tim Tebow (15), Eric Decker (12), Willis McGahee (11)
San Diego's Key Performers: Ryan Mathews (13), Philip Rivers (11), Antonio Gates (10)
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 100, Philadelphia Eagles 76
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (28), Wes Welker (23), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (16)
Philadelphia's Key Performers: Vince Young (22), Jason Avant (17), LeSean McCoy (12)
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks
Fantasy Score: Washington Redskins 66, Seattle Seahawks 57
Washington's Key Performers: Roy Helu (21), Rex Grossman (16), Fred Davis (11)
Seattle's Key Performers: Marshawn Lynch (19), Tarvaris Jackson (11), Defense (8)
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 50, Jacksonville Jaguars 41
Houston's Key Performers: Defense (13), Arian Foster (12), Neil Rackers (10)
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (15), Defense (8), Josh Scobee (6)
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Fantasy Score: Buffalo Bills 80, New York Jets 78
Buffalo's Key Performers: Ryan Fitzpatrick (25), Brad smith (13), Stevie Johnson (13)
New York's Key Performers: Mark Sanchez (21), Dustin Keller (18), Plaxico Burress (11)
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Fantasy Score: Cincinnati Bengals 75, Cleveland Browns 59
Cleveland's Key Performers: Colt McCoy (15), Jordan Norwood (12), Greg Little (12)
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Cedric Benson (18), Andy Dalton (14), Mike Nugent (12)
Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams
Fantasy Score: St. Louis Rams 62, Arizona Cardinals 59
Arizona's Key Performers: Beanie Wells (26), Defense (12), Jay Feely (11)
St. Louis' Key Performers: Defense (14), Brandon Lloyd (13), Sam Bradford (10)
Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 75, Minnesota Vikings 48
Minnesota's Key Performers: Percy Harvin (16), Christian Ponder (11), Toby Gerhart (11)
Atlanta's Key Performers: Matt Ryan (22), Roddy White (18), Harry Douglas (10)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Fantasy Score: Tennessee Titans 71, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 58
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Defense (15), Mike Williams (12), LeGarrette Blount (11)
Tennessee's Key Performers: Defense (19), Chris Johnson (17), Rob Bironas (12)
Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy Score: Carolina Panthers 74, Indianapolis Colts 65
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (19), DeAngelo Williams (18), Olindo Mare (10)
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Reggie Wayne (18), Donald Brown (15), Curtis Painter (9)
Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders
Fantasy Score: Oakland Raiders 80, Chicago Bears 78
Chicago's Key Performers: Johnny Knox (20), Caleb Hanie (17), Robbie Gould (12)
Oakland's Key Performers: Sebastian Janikowski (23), Michael Bush (14), Carson Palmer (10)
New York Giants at New Orleans Saints
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 128, New York Giants 76
New York's Key Performers: Victor Cruz (27), Eli Manning (22), Brandon Jacobs (10)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (36), Jimmy Graham (20), Lance Moore (17)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings and Thursday Night Football game predictions.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - MNF - Week 12 (2011)
All systems, except blindly picking the Home Team system, had great Thanksgiving weekend predictions. With all systems picking the Saints to win on Monday Night, only a Giants victory can ruin the week 12 picks.
Monday Night Game Prediction:
New York Giants at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 8. The Giants aren't scaring anybody these days and the Saints have to catch the 49ers or Packers if they hope to gain a bye-week advantage in the playoffs.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 10. Brees outduels Eli to keep the Saints among the NFC elite.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 7. Saints by 7, Over/Under 50.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
Week 12 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. The regular season has come to an end. With nine out of 12 playoff spots still up for grabs, which teams reached the postseason after all was said and done this week?
Monday Night Game Prediction:
New York Giants at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 8. The Giants aren't scaring anybody these days and the Saints have to catch the 49ers or Packers if they hope to gain a bye-week advantage in the playoffs.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 10. Brees outduels Eli to keep the Saints among the NFC elite.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 7. Saints by 7, Over/Under 50.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
Week 12 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. The regular season has come to an end. With nine out of 12 playoff spots still up for grabs, which teams reached the postseason after all was said and done this week?
Friday, November 25, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Week 12 (2011)
Fat and happy after eating all that turkey... now it's time to pick the remaining NFL games. None of these are as inspiring as the three matchups we saw yesterday.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 9. The Vikings are easy pickings these days… and that was before Adrian Peterson was injured.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 13. Ponder plays well, but Ryan is in a different class.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 9. Falcons by 9, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. Falcons better at 6-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 9. Cincinnati is still fighting for a playoff spot.
Scottie V's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 13. The Bengals keep within shouting distance of the Ravens and Steelers.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 8. Bengals by 7.5, Over/Under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 6-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 12. The Panthers will finally get another win as the misery for Indianapolis continues.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 6. The shine has worn off of Cam Newton a bit, but the Colts are to shine what Lindsay Lohan is to sobriety.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 4. Panthers by 3.5, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers better at 2-8.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 16. Even with the drop-off from Schaub to Leinart, it shouldn't be too difficult to hand the ball off to Foster and Tate for a win.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 4. The Schaub-less Texans get their first road test… Despite Leinart's best efforts to derail the cause, they get the victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 4. Texans by 3.5, Over/Under 37.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 3. The Bills couldn’t beat the Jets in Buffalo a few weeks ago. Since then Buffalo has played terribly.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 6. Okay, I think the Bills are officially off the wagon.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 9. Jets by 9, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Both teams at 5-5, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 8. Another riveting NFC West matchup.
Scottie V's Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 6. Ho-hum game of the week.
Vegas Lines Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3. Rams by 3, Over/under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3. Cardinals better at 3-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 4. Neither team is playing well, but the Titans D should carry them at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 4. The Locker era begins with some shine.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans by 3, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 5-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago Bears by 8. Even without Cutler, the Bears are solid enough to beat the Raiders.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 7. Carson Palmer is starting to hit his stride as the Cutler-less Bears come to town.
Vegas Lines Pick: Oakland Raiders by 4. Raiders by 4, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 1. The Seahawks should be able to handle the Redskins at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 10. With the help of the 12th man, the 'Hawks roll.
Vegas Lines Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 4. Seahawks by 3.5, Over/Under 37.
Best Record Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. Seahawks better at 4-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 6. The Patriots are playing solid defense.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 7. The Patriots are on a roll and I don't have much confidence in the Eagles, regardless of whether they roll out Vick or Young.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots by 3, Over/Under 50.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 2. I have faith in Tebow… and in San Diego's ability to continue to underachieve.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 4. Surely Tebow can't pull another one out while completing only 20% of his passes and surely the Chargers can't lose again… Right?
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego Chargers by 6. Chargers by 6, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos better at 5-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 15. The rested Steelers should have no problem against the struggling Chiefs.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 13. I was in Arrowhead a couple years ago when the Chiefs stole the game from the Steelers… Not this year.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 11. Steelers by 10.5, Over/Under 39.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 9. The Vikings are easy pickings these days… and that was before Adrian Peterson was injured.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 13. Ponder plays well, but Ryan is in a different class.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 9. Falcons by 9, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. Falcons better at 6-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 9. Cincinnati is still fighting for a playoff spot.
Scottie V's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 13. The Bengals keep within shouting distance of the Ravens and Steelers.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 8. Bengals by 7.5, Over/Under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 6-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 12. The Panthers will finally get another win as the misery for Indianapolis continues.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 6. The shine has worn off of Cam Newton a bit, but the Colts are to shine what Lindsay Lohan is to sobriety.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 4. Panthers by 3.5, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers better at 2-8.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 16. Even with the drop-off from Schaub to Leinart, it shouldn't be too difficult to hand the ball off to Foster and Tate for a win.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 4. The Schaub-less Texans get their first road test… Despite Leinart's best efforts to derail the cause, they get the victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 4. Texans by 3.5, Over/Under 37.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 3. The Bills couldn’t beat the Jets in Buffalo a few weeks ago. Since then Buffalo has played terribly.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 6. Okay, I think the Bills are officially off the wagon.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 9. Jets by 9, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Both teams at 5-5, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 8. Another riveting NFC West matchup.
Scottie V's Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 6. Ho-hum game of the week.
Vegas Lines Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3. Rams by 3, Over/under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3. Cardinals better at 3-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 4. Neither team is playing well, but the Titans D should carry them at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 4. The Locker era begins with some shine.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans by 3, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 5-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago Bears by 8. Even without Cutler, the Bears are solid enough to beat the Raiders.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 7. Carson Palmer is starting to hit his stride as the Cutler-less Bears come to town.
Vegas Lines Pick: Oakland Raiders by 4. Raiders by 4, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 1. The Seahawks should be able to handle the Redskins at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 10. With the help of the 12th man, the 'Hawks roll.
Vegas Lines Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 4. Seahawks by 3.5, Over/Under 37.
Best Record Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. Seahawks better at 4-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 6. The Patriots are playing solid defense.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 7. The Patriots are on a roll and I don't have much confidence in the Eagles, regardless of whether they roll out Vick or Young.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots by 3, Over/Under 50.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 2. I have faith in Tebow… and in San Diego's ability to continue to underachieve.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 4. Surely Tebow can't pull another one out while completing only 20% of his passes and surely the Chargers can't lose again… Right?
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego Chargers by 6. Chargers by 6, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos better at 5-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 15. The rested Steelers should have no problem against the struggling Chiefs.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 13. I was in Arrowhead a couple years ago when the Chiefs stole the game from the Steelers… Not this year.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 11. Steelers by 10.5, Over/Under 39.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 7-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Thanksgiving Day - Week 12 (2011)
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! Enjoy a fine feast of football today.
Thanksgiving Day Game Predictions:
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 5. Until the Packers lose, how can you go against them?
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 17. Just a few weeks ago it seemed that this might be a real Turkey Day classic, but clearly these teams are not in the same league.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 7. Packers by 6.5, Over/Under 55.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 10-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 4. Miami is scary right now, but Dallas has figured out it can win consistently.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 6. I'd like to see the Dolphins continue their hot streak in the Big D, but Turkey Day loves the 'Boys.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 7. Cowboys by 7, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 6-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. In a close game, the consistency of the 49ers will prove to be the difference.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 4. This should be a really cool game… Jim proves his mettle again by besting his bro.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens by 3, Over/Under 38.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 9-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
Check back tomorrow for Sunday's game predictions.
Thanksgiving Day Game Predictions:
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 5. Until the Packers lose, how can you go against them?
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 17. Just a few weeks ago it seemed that this might be a real Turkey Day classic, but clearly these teams are not in the same league.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 7. Packers by 6.5, Over/Under 55.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 10-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 4. Miami is scary right now, but Dallas has figured out it can win consistently.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 6. I'd like to see the Dolphins continue their hot streak in the Big D, but Turkey Day loves the 'Boys.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 7. Cowboys by 7, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 6-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. In a close game, the consistency of the 49ers will prove to be the difference.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 4. This should be a really cool game… Jim proves his mettle again by besting his bro.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens by 3, Over/Under 38.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 9-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
Check back tomorrow for Sunday's game predictions.
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 11 (2011)
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings are based on a complicated formula that takes into account, among other things, a team's projected ability to score an Offensive Fumble Recovery TD. All power rankings guaranteed to be less accurate than real NFL team abilities on any given Sunday and are subject to change on a weekly basis.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
The Forked Few~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 32)
Unfortunately the season is not over yet for the Colts. Although they didn’t lose last week. They have that going for them.
# 31 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 31)
The Rams should have been so much better this year.
# 30 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 30)
It's surprising to see the Vikings so bad and in search of an identity after all that has happened with this franchise in the past three years.
# 29 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 23)
The Chiefs have gone from bad to better to absolutely terrible.
# 28 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 27)
It's still surprising the Panthers only have two wins after how impressive Cam Newton has been all season.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 26)
At least Maurice Jones-Drew is a viable fantasy option, but this offense has nothing else going for it.
# 26 - Washington Redskins (previous: 25)
The Redskins are still on pace to finish 3-13. The overtime game against Dallas last week could very well have been their last chance to win a game this season.
# 25 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 22)
The sophomore slump of the Buccaneers continues.
# 24 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 21)
Who will start for Arizona once Kolb is back to 100%? Does it even matter?
# 23 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 29)
Cleveland's season is all but mathematically over. Barely defeating a struggling Jacksonville team does little to change that perception.
# 22 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 24)
Seattle is still one of the most boring teams in the NFL.
# 21 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 28)
The Dolphins are suddenly scary good.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 19)
San Diego just keeps taking underachivement to a whole new level.
# 19 - Denver Broncos (previous: 20)
Tebow has the Broncos in second place after a horrid start. The Wild Card is probably out of the question, but a division title for the Broncos? Stranger things have happened.
# 18 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 16)
Fans in Buffalo must be thinking, "here we go… Buffaloed again."
# 17 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 18)
Too little, too late. The Eagles might just be figuring things out for next year.
# 16 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 17)
Suddenly Oakland is the team to beat in the AFC West.
# 15 - New York Giants (previous: 15)
The Giants are better than they looked against Philadelphia… but the next two games against New Orleans and Green Bay could kill their postseason hopes.
# 14 - New York Jets (previous: 14)
How cool was that to see the vaunted Jets defense lose the game on a two-niute, 95-yard touchdown drive?
# 13 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 12)
The Titans failure to create any kind of running game has them fading quickly out of the playoff race.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 13)
Tiebreakers will kill them in the division, by a Wild Card spot is well within their grasp.
# 11 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 11)
If Dallas can get by suddenly hot Miami, the NFC East will be theirs to lose.
# 10 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 10)
The Bengals may be the third best team in their division, but a Wild Card is by no means out of the question.
# 9 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 9)
The Steelers have the experience to emerge from their bye week ready to take control of the division back from Baltimore.
# 8 - Detroit Lions (previous: 8)
The Lions have a franchise-defining game against the Packers lined up for Thanksgiving. Win, and all bets are off. Lose, and the Lions fall back into the NFC's Wild Card quagmire.
# 7 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 7)
An extra day of rest should have the Saints ready to make a run for the playoffs.
# 6 - Chicago Bears (previous: 6)
Cutler out. Good thing the Bears are winning with defense, special teams and a solid running game.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 4)
Baltimore will have their work cut out for them when the 49ers come to town Thanksgiving Night. If they can win, there should be no stopping them the rest of the season.
# 4 - New England Patriots (previous: 5)
New England seems to have figured out how to play defense. If they could just get their offense back on track…
# 3 - Houston Texans (previous: 3)
The Texans are playing lights out football. We'll see if Leinert can keep them on the right track. Andre Johnson's return to the lineup should help.
# 2 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 2)
San Francisco is playing solid football and, with the division all but wrapped up, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs should be their goal the remainder of the regular season.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
The Packers face their greatest challenge of the season when they travel to Detroit to face the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
Week 11 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Kansas City Chiefs (-6), Arizona Cardinals (-3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3), Buffalo Bills (-2), Baltimore Ravens (-1)
The Biggest Movers - Miami Dolphins (+7), Cleveland Browns (+6), Seattle Seahawks (+2), New England Patriots (+1), Atlanta Falcons (+1)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), San Francisco 49ers (2), Houston Texans (3), Chicago Bears (6), New Orleans Saints (7), Detroit Lions (8), Pittsburgh Steelers (9), Cincinnati Bengals (10), Dallas Cowboys (11), New York Jets (14), New York Giants (15), Minnesota Vikings (30), St. Louis Rams (31), Indianapolis Colts (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 11
Green Bay Packers
Check back later today for week 12 Thanksgiving Day game predictions.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
The Forked Few~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 32)
Unfortunately the season is not over yet for the Colts. Although they didn’t lose last week. They have that going for them.
# 31 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 31)
The Rams should have been so much better this year.
# 30 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 30)
It's surprising to see the Vikings so bad and in search of an identity after all that has happened with this franchise in the past three years.
# 29 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 23)
The Chiefs have gone from bad to better to absolutely terrible.
# 28 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 27)
It's still surprising the Panthers only have two wins after how impressive Cam Newton has been all season.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 26)
At least Maurice Jones-Drew is a viable fantasy option, but this offense has nothing else going for it.
# 26 - Washington Redskins (previous: 25)
The Redskins are still on pace to finish 3-13. The overtime game against Dallas last week could very well have been their last chance to win a game this season.
# 25 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 22)
The sophomore slump of the Buccaneers continues.
# 24 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 21)
Who will start for Arizona once Kolb is back to 100%? Does it even matter?
# 23 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 29)
Cleveland's season is all but mathematically over. Barely defeating a struggling Jacksonville team does little to change that perception.
# 22 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 24)
Seattle is still one of the most boring teams in the NFL.
# 21 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 28)
The Dolphins are suddenly scary good.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 19)
San Diego just keeps taking underachivement to a whole new level.
# 19 - Denver Broncos (previous: 20)
Tebow has the Broncos in second place after a horrid start. The Wild Card is probably out of the question, but a division title for the Broncos? Stranger things have happened.
# 18 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 16)
Fans in Buffalo must be thinking, "here we go… Buffaloed again."
# 17 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 18)
Too little, too late. The Eagles might just be figuring things out for next year.
# 16 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 17)
Suddenly Oakland is the team to beat in the AFC West.
# 15 - New York Giants (previous: 15)
The Giants are better than they looked against Philadelphia… but the next two games against New Orleans and Green Bay could kill their postseason hopes.
# 14 - New York Jets (previous: 14)
How cool was that to see the vaunted Jets defense lose the game on a two-niute, 95-yard touchdown drive?
# 13 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 12)
The Titans failure to create any kind of running game has them fading quickly out of the playoff race.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 13)
Tiebreakers will kill them in the division, by a Wild Card spot is well within their grasp.
# 11 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 11)
If Dallas can get by suddenly hot Miami, the NFC East will be theirs to lose.
# 10 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 10)
The Bengals may be the third best team in their division, but a Wild Card is by no means out of the question.
# 9 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 9)
The Steelers have the experience to emerge from their bye week ready to take control of the division back from Baltimore.
# 8 - Detroit Lions (previous: 8)
The Lions have a franchise-defining game against the Packers lined up for Thanksgiving. Win, and all bets are off. Lose, and the Lions fall back into the NFC's Wild Card quagmire.
# 7 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 7)
An extra day of rest should have the Saints ready to make a run for the playoffs.
# 6 - Chicago Bears (previous: 6)
Cutler out. Good thing the Bears are winning with defense, special teams and a solid running game.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 4)
Baltimore will have their work cut out for them when the 49ers come to town Thanksgiving Night. If they can win, there should be no stopping them the rest of the season.
# 4 - New England Patriots (previous: 5)
New England seems to have figured out how to play defense. If they could just get their offense back on track…
# 3 - Houston Texans (previous: 3)
The Texans are playing lights out football. We'll see if Leinert can keep them on the right track. Andre Johnson's return to the lineup should help.
# 2 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 2)
San Francisco is playing solid football and, with the division all but wrapped up, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs should be their goal the remainder of the regular season.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
The Packers face their greatest challenge of the season when they travel to Detroit to face the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
Week 11 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Kansas City Chiefs (-6), Arizona Cardinals (-3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3), Buffalo Bills (-2), Baltimore Ravens (-1)
The Biggest Movers - Miami Dolphins (+7), Cleveland Browns (+6), Seattle Seahawks (+2), New England Patriots (+1), Atlanta Falcons (+1)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), San Francisco 49ers (2), Houston Texans (3), Chicago Bears (6), New Orleans Saints (7), Detroit Lions (8), Pittsburgh Steelers (9), Cincinnati Bengals (10), Dallas Cowboys (11), New York Jets (14), New York Giants (15), Minnesota Vikings (30), St. Louis Rams (31), Indianapolis Colts (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 11
Green Bay Packers
Check back later today for week 12 Thanksgiving Day game predictions.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Week 11 Results (2011) ~ "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..."
Only one week remains in Creative Misfortune's 2011 fantasy regular season and only three out of 12 playoff spots have been locked down. Huge games Thanksgiving weekend - particularly the Green Bay Packers vs the Detroit Lions - will determine not only who gets in to the playoffs, but where they are seeded.
In week 11, with eleven playoff spots on the line, no team managed to win a fantasy game they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the Detroit Lions, who scored 109 points against the Carolina Panthers in their exciting shootout game. Carolina, for their part, scored 80 points, which would have been enough to defeat 20 other teams this weekend.
Low score falls to the Buffalo Bills at 26 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 35 points the Miami Dolphins scored against them.
Closest Game of the Week: Cleveland Browns 51, Jacksonville Jaguars 50. In a game nobody saw, where the teams only combined for 24 real points, the Cleveland Browns outlasted the Jacksonville Jaguars to achieve their fourth fantasy win of the season.
Fantasy Star of the Week: Kevin Smith, 38 points. One of the feel-good stories of the 2011 season, Kevin Smith came off the street to play for the Detroit Lions and exploded back onto the NFL landscape with 200+ total yards and three touchdowns. Welcome back to the NFL, Kevin!
PLAYOFF PICTURE
With 1 week remaining in the Creative Misfortune fantasy regular season, the following teams teams have clinched a fantasy playoff spot (weeks 13-16):
NFC
New Orleans Saints (clinched NFC South title; Can be seeded no lower than 3rd)
San Francisco 49ers (clinched NFC West title; Locked into the NFC's 4th seed)
AFC
Houston Texans (clinched AFC South title and a first round bye; Can be seeded no lower than 2nd)
The following teams have been eliminated from post-season play (weeks 13-16):
Buffalo Bills
Carolina Panthers
Arizona Cardinals
Miami Dolphins
Kansas City Chiefs
Washington Redskins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams
Denver Broncos
Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings
Week 11 Game Results:
New York Jets at Denver Broncos
Fantasy Score: Denver Broncos 46, New York Jets 44
New York's Key Performers: Joe McKnight (9), Mark Sanchez (8), Plaxico Burress (6)
Denver's Key Performers: Defense (17), Tim Tebow (16), Matt Prater (5)
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Fantasy Score: Philadelphia Eagles 74, New York Giants 53
Philadelphia's Key Performers: Riley Cooper (13), Vince Young (12), LeSean McCoy (11)
New York's Key Performers: Victor Cruz (18), Eli Manning (10), Defense (8)
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 89, Cincinnati Bengals 75
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Cedric Benson (16), Jerome Simpson (15), Andy Dalton (15)
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (26), Torrey Smith (22), Joe Flacco (16)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 75, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 74
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Josh Freeman (17), LeGarrette Blount (16), Mike Williams (14)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Jordy Nelson (24), Aaron Rodgers (23), James Starks (8)
Tennessee Titans at Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 80, Tennessee Titans 47
Tennessee's Key Performers: Nate Washington (23), Rob Bironas (6), Jared Cook (5)
Atlanta's Key Performers: Matt Ryan (16), Michael Turner (14), Roddy White (14)
Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
Fantasy Score: Oakland Raiders 75, Minnesota Vikings 60
Oakland's Key Performers: Carson Palmer (16), Michael Bush (16), Defense (15)
Minnesota's Key Performers: Christian Ponder (17), Percy Harvin (15), Adrian Peterson (8)
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Fantasy Score: Miami Dolphins 73, Buffalo Bills 26
Buffalo's Key Performers: Dave Rayner (9), Scott Chandler (7), Fred Jackson (6)
Miami's Key Performers: Matt Moore (18), Defense (18), Reggie Bush (12)
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 85, Washington Redskins 67
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (23), Jason Witten (14), Dez Bryant (12)
Washington's Key Performers: Rex Grossman (24), Jabar Gaffney (17), Donte Stallworth (11)
Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Fantasy Score: Detroit Lions 109, Carolina Panthers 80
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (24), Steve Smith (12), Jonathan Stewart (10)
Detroit's Key Performers: Kevin Smith (38), Mathew Stafford (29), Nate Burleson (12)
San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears
Fantasy Score: Chicago Bears 82, San Diego Chargers 60
San Diego's Key Performers: Vincent Jackson (22), Philip Rivers (15), Antonio Gates (12)
Chicago's Key Performers: Jay Cutler (24), Johnny Knox (15), Marion Barber (8)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns
Fantasy Score: Cleveland Browns 51, Jacksonville Jaguars 50
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (17), Blain Gabbert (9), Marcedes Lewis (6)
Cleveland's Key Performers: Chris Ogbonnaya (18), Colt McCoy (11), Josh Cribbs (8)
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Fantasy Score: San Francisco 49ers 88, Arizona Cardinals 27
Arizona's Key Performers: Larry Fitzgerald (10), Early Doucet (5), Andre Roberts (5)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Alex Smith (17), Defense (16), Vernon Davis (12)
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams
Fantasy Score: Seattle Seahawks 65, St. Louis Rams 37
Seattle's Key Performers: Defense (15), Marshawn Lynch (14), Sidney Rice (11)
St. Louis' Key Performers: Brandon Lloyd (12), Defense (7), Steven Jackson (5)
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 91, Kansas City Chiefs 32
Kansas City's Key Performers: Dwayne Bowe (8), Steve Breaston (7), Thomas Jones (4)
New England's Key Performers: Defense (22), Rob Gronkowski (21), Tom Brady (16)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings and Thanskgiving Day game predictions.
In week 11, with eleven playoff spots on the line, no team managed to win a fantasy game they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the Detroit Lions, who scored 109 points against the Carolina Panthers in their exciting shootout game. Carolina, for their part, scored 80 points, which would have been enough to defeat 20 other teams this weekend.
Low score falls to the Buffalo Bills at 26 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 35 points the Miami Dolphins scored against them.
Closest Game of the Week: Cleveland Browns 51, Jacksonville Jaguars 50. In a game nobody saw, where the teams only combined for 24 real points, the Cleveland Browns outlasted the Jacksonville Jaguars to achieve their fourth fantasy win of the season.
Fantasy Star of the Week: Kevin Smith, 38 points. One of the feel-good stories of the 2011 season, Kevin Smith came off the street to play for the Detroit Lions and exploded back onto the NFL landscape with 200+ total yards and three touchdowns. Welcome back to the NFL, Kevin!
PLAYOFF PICTURE
With 1 week remaining in the Creative Misfortune fantasy regular season, the following teams teams have clinched a fantasy playoff spot (weeks 13-16):
NFC
New Orleans Saints (clinched NFC South title; Can be seeded no lower than 3rd)
San Francisco 49ers (clinched NFC West title; Locked into the NFC's 4th seed)
AFC
Houston Texans (clinched AFC South title and a first round bye; Can be seeded no lower than 2nd)
The following teams have been eliminated from post-season play (weeks 13-16):
Buffalo Bills
Carolina Panthers
Arizona Cardinals
Miami Dolphins
Kansas City Chiefs
Washington Redskins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams
Denver Broncos
Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings
Week 11 Game Results:
New York Jets at Denver Broncos
Fantasy Score: Denver Broncos 46, New York Jets 44
New York's Key Performers: Joe McKnight (9), Mark Sanchez (8), Plaxico Burress (6)
Denver's Key Performers: Defense (17), Tim Tebow (16), Matt Prater (5)
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Fantasy Score: Philadelphia Eagles 74, New York Giants 53
Philadelphia's Key Performers: Riley Cooper (13), Vince Young (12), LeSean McCoy (11)
New York's Key Performers: Victor Cruz (18), Eli Manning (10), Defense (8)
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 89, Cincinnati Bengals 75
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Cedric Benson (16), Jerome Simpson (15), Andy Dalton (15)
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (26), Torrey Smith (22), Joe Flacco (16)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 75, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 74
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Josh Freeman (17), LeGarrette Blount (16), Mike Williams (14)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Jordy Nelson (24), Aaron Rodgers (23), James Starks (8)
Tennessee Titans at Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 80, Tennessee Titans 47
Tennessee's Key Performers: Nate Washington (23), Rob Bironas (6), Jared Cook (5)
Atlanta's Key Performers: Matt Ryan (16), Michael Turner (14), Roddy White (14)
Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
Fantasy Score: Oakland Raiders 75, Minnesota Vikings 60
Oakland's Key Performers: Carson Palmer (16), Michael Bush (16), Defense (15)
Minnesota's Key Performers: Christian Ponder (17), Percy Harvin (15), Adrian Peterson (8)
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Fantasy Score: Miami Dolphins 73, Buffalo Bills 26
Buffalo's Key Performers: Dave Rayner (9), Scott Chandler (7), Fred Jackson (6)
Miami's Key Performers: Matt Moore (18), Defense (18), Reggie Bush (12)
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 85, Washington Redskins 67
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (23), Jason Witten (14), Dez Bryant (12)
Washington's Key Performers: Rex Grossman (24), Jabar Gaffney (17), Donte Stallworth (11)
Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Fantasy Score: Detroit Lions 109, Carolina Panthers 80
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (24), Steve Smith (12), Jonathan Stewart (10)
Detroit's Key Performers: Kevin Smith (38), Mathew Stafford (29), Nate Burleson (12)
San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears
Fantasy Score: Chicago Bears 82, San Diego Chargers 60
San Diego's Key Performers: Vincent Jackson (22), Philip Rivers (15), Antonio Gates (12)
Chicago's Key Performers: Jay Cutler (24), Johnny Knox (15), Marion Barber (8)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns
Fantasy Score: Cleveland Browns 51, Jacksonville Jaguars 50
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (17), Blain Gabbert (9), Marcedes Lewis (6)
Cleveland's Key Performers: Chris Ogbonnaya (18), Colt McCoy (11), Josh Cribbs (8)
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Fantasy Score: San Francisco 49ers 88, Arizona Cardinals 27
Arizona's Key Performers: Larry Fitzgerald (10), Early Doucet (5), Andre Roberts (5)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Alex Smith (17), Defense (16), Vernon Davis (12)
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams
Fantasy Score: Seattle Seahawks 65, St. Louis Rams 37
Seattle's Key Performers: Defense (15), Marshawn Lynch (14), Sidney Rice (11)
St. Louis' Key Performers: Brandon Lloyd (12), Defense (7), Steven Jackson (5)
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 91, Kansas City Chiefs 32
Kansas City's Key Performers: Dwayne Bowe (8), Steve Breaston (7), Thomas Jones (4)
New England's Key Performers: Defense (22), Rob Gronkowski (21), Tom Brady (16)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings and Thanskgiving Day game predictions.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - MNF - Week 11 (2011)
Very few upsets took place in the NFL ranks in week 11. I doubt tonight's game will result in an unexpected result.
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 15. Now is not the time for the Chiefs to face the Patriots.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 13. My head tells me that the Pats demolish the Chiefs in front of their home crowd, but honestly I have no idea what to expect from the Chiefs anymore.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 15. Patriots by 14.5, Over/Under 46.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3.
Week 11 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday.
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 15. Now is not the time for the Chiefs to face the Patriots.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 13. My head tells me that the Pats demolish the Chiefs in front of their home crowd, but honestly I have no idea what to expect from the Chiefs anymore.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 15. Patriots by 14.5, Over/Under 46.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3.
Week 11 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Week 11 (2011)
How about that Tim Tebow guy? Denver is suddenly back to a .500 record and in the AFC West, with 7 games left in the season, the division title is just sitting there for whoever wants it most.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. The Ravens play up against good teams and Cincinnati is playing well.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 8. Just when you think the Ravens may be the best team in the AFC, they lay an egg in Seattle… They'll bounce back at home this week.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. Ravens by 7, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Both teams at 6-3, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 1. I hope this game is blacked out somewhere.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Ho-hum game of the week… Dog Pound helps the Browns to get it done.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 1. Browns by 1, Over/Under 34.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Both teams at 3-6, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 12. The Lions need to win this game if they have any hope of upsetting the Packers on Thanksgiving.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 4. The Lions, looking ahead to their Turkey Day matchup with the Packers, fall behind early but rally late.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 7. Lions by 7, Over/Under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 23. The Packers probably will stumble before the end of the season, but the Buccaneers are not going to be the team to trip them up.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 14. The Pack continue their quest for the perfect season… I don't see the Bucs putting the hammer down in the frozen tundra.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 14. Packers by 14, Over/Under 48.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 9-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. Buffalo gets back to their winning ways and short-circuits Miami's "Too Little, Too Late" resurgence.
Scottie V's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. What happens when two teams going the opposite directions collide in South Beach? I've heard that "nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills" so I'm going with them.
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami Dolphins by 2. Dolphins by 2, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills better at 5-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3.
Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 5. The Raiders still have something to play for besides individual stats.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 4. Carson Palmer leads the Raiders to big road win to stay on track in the AFC West (realize that this is not a tall order in this division).
Vegas Lines Pick: Oakland Raiders by 1. Raiders by 1, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders better at 5-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3.
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 9. The Cowboys are on a roll and the Redskins are fading faster than any other team. That tends to happen when you play quarterbacks by committee.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 17. The Cowboys have been anything but steady this whole season, but at least they are not a train wreck.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 8. Cowboys by 7.5, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 5-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 14. The 49ers are playing for playoff positioning now and feasting on other NFC West teams will help them achieve a bye-week in the postseason.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 13. The newly invigorated Cardinals put up a fight in San Fran, but the Niners make all the key plays to stay on a roll.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 10. 49ers by 9.5, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 8-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3.
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 6. Seattle can beat anybody and can be beaten by anybody. If they don’t finish 8-8, I'll be extremely disappointed in them.
Scottie V's Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3. E-gads… Can I program my RedZone to skip over coverage of this game?
Vegas Lines Pick: St. Louis Rams by 2. Rams by 1.5, Over/Under 39.
Best Record Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. Seahawks better at 3-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
Tennessee Titans at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. This looks like another overtime game to me… but Atlanta will come out of the extra quarter with a victory this week.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 14. After one of the silliest coaching decisions in the history of overtime football, the Falcons bounce back in a much-needed way.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 6. Falcons by 6, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. Both teams at 5-4, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago Bears by 7. I'm done with the Chargers.
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago Bears by 7. Even in the harsh coldness of Chi-town, Norv Turner can feel his seat getting hotter.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago Bears by 4. Bears by 3.5, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Giants by 4. The Eagles are desperate for a win, but after the collapse of 2010, the 2011 Giants will not take any pity on their division rivals.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Giants by 10. The Eagles are in a tailspin and the Giants look to drive the stake into their hearts.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 5. Giants by 5, Over/Under 46.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3. Giants better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. The Ravens play up against good teams and Cincinnati is playing well.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 8. Just when you think the Ravens may be the best team in the AFC, they lay an egg in Seattle… They'll bounce back at home this week.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. Ravens by 7, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Both teams at 6-3, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 1. I hope this game is blacked out somewhere.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Ho-hum game of the week… Dog Pound helps the Browns to get it done.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 1. Browns by 1, Over/Under 34.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Both teams at 3-6, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 12. The Lions need to win this game if they have any hope of upsetting the Packers on Thanksgiving.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 4. The Lions, looking ahead to their Turkey Day matchup with the Packers, fall behind early but rally late.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 7. Lions by 7, Over/Under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 23. The Packers probably will stumble before the end of the season, but the Buccaneers are not going to be the team to trip them up.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 14. The Pack continue their quest for the perfect season… I don't see the Bucs putting the hammer down in the frozen tundra.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 14. Packers by 14, Over/Under 48.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 9-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. Buffalo gets back to their winning ways and short-circuits Miami's "Too Little, Too Late" resurgence.
Scottie V's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. What happens when two teams going the opposite directions collide in South Beach? I've heard that "nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills" so I'm going with them.
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami Dolphins by 2. Dolphins by 2, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills better at 5-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3.
Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 5. The Raiders still have something to play for besides individual stats.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 4. Carson Palmer leads the Raiders to big road win to stay on track in the AFC West (realize that this is not a tall order in this division).
Vegas Lines Pick: Oakland Raiders by 1. Raiders by 1, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders better at 5-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3.
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 9. The Cowboys are on a roll and the Redskins are fading faster than any other team. That tends to happen when you play quarterbacks by committee.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 17. The Cowboys have been anything but steady this whole season, but at least they are not a train wreck.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 8. Cowboys by 7.5, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 5-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 14. The 49ers are playing for playoff positioning now and feasting on other NFC West teams will help them achieve a bye-week in the postseason.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 13. The newly invigorated Cardinals put up a fight in San Fran, but the Niners make all the key plays to stay on a roll.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 10. 49ers by 9.5, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 8-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3.
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 6. Seattle can beat anybody and can be beaten by anybody. If they don’t finish 8-8, I'll be extremely disappointed in them.
Scottie V's Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3. E-gads… Can I program my RedZone to skip over coverage of this game?
Vegas Lines Pick: St. Louis Rams by 2. Rams by 1.5, Over/Under 39.
Best Record Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. Seahawks better at 3-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
Tennessee Titans at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. This looks like another overtime game to me… but Atlanta will come out of the extra quarter with a victory this week.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 14. After one of the silliest coaching decisions in the history of overtime football, the Falcons bounce back in a much-needed way.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 6. Falcons by 6, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. Both teams at 5-4, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago Bears by 7. I'm done with the Chargers.
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago Bears by 7. Even in the harsh coldness of Chi-town, Norv Turner can feel his seat getting hotter.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago Bears by 4. Bears by 3.5, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Giants by 4. The Eagles are desperate for a win, but after the collapse of 2010, the 2011 Giants will not take any pity on their division rivals.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Giants by 10. The Eagles are in a tailspin and the Giants look to drive the stake into their hearts.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 5. Giants by 5, Over/Under 46.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3. Giants better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - TNF - Week 11 (2011)
Another Thursday Night Football game kicks off tonight. Jets vs Broncos. Over/Under on passes completed by both teams during this game... 7.
Thursday Night Game Prediction:
New York Jets at Denver Broncos
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. There is nothing boring about winning... or losing, for that matter.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 6. As much as I would love to see Tebow take it to the Jets and their jerko coach, I just don't see it happening.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 6. Jets by 6, Over/under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets better at 5-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3.
Check back tomorrow for the remainder of the Week 11 picks.
Thursday Night Game Prediction:
New York Jets at Denver Broncos
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. There is nothing boring about winning... or losing, for that matter.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 6. As much as I would love to see Tebow take it to the Jets and their jerko coach, I just don't see it happening.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 6. Jets by 6, Over/under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets better at 5-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3.
Check back tomorrow for the remainder of the Week 11 picks.
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 10 (2011)
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings are based on a complicated formula that takes into account, among other things, a team's projected ability to score an Offensive Fumble Recovery TD. All power rankings guaranteed to be less accurate than real NFL team abilities on any given Sunday and are subject to change on a weekly basis.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
The Forked Few~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 32)
The bye week has finally arrived for the Colts.
# 31 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 31)
Just when you think the Rams might have figured something out, they drop another one to a suspect team like the Browns.
# 30 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 27)
Yes, the Packers are scary good. But on national TV, against a hated division rival, you'd think the Vikings would have mustered a little bit more effort.
# 29 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 26)
Congrats! You beat the Rams. Now what?
# 28 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 30)
Isn’t it amazing how two straight victories can take the pressure off a team that lost seven in a row to start the season?
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 21)
Everybody, including the Panthers, expected more from Carolina coming out of their bye week.
# 26 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 29)
Good news for the Jaguars - they get to play the Colts again this season.
# 25 - Washington Redskins (previous: 22)
6 straight losses and the Redskins are still well on their way to finishing 3-13 after starting 3-0.
# 24 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 28)
I don’t get this team. Please decide once and for all if you are good or not so people can get on with their lives.
# 23 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 23)
When the other team only completes two passes against you, it is usually considered good form not to let one of those two completions result in a touchdown. Talk about humiliating.
# 22 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 20)
The Young Bucs are going through a sophomore funk and will need at least another year under their belts before they can seriously challenge the Falcons and the Saints for the division title.
# 21 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 25)
Could a Skelton-Kolb quarterback controversy be on the horizon? That certainly doesn't have the same ring as Montana-Young, does it?
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Denver Broncos (previous: 24)
Tim Tebow may be setting quarterback play back a generation or two, but despite what Revis says, the Tebow-led veer offense of the Broncos is anything but boring.
# 19 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 18)
Just when you think the Chargers couldn’t underachieve any more…
# 18 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 16)
The dream has become a nightmare for fans in Philly and I can honestly say it does not bother me one bit.
# 17 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 19)
The Raiders are all alone at the top of the standings in the one division in the AFC nobody wants to win.
# 16 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 9)
The Bills were completely outclassed by the Cowboys last weekend and now their playoff hopes are starting to dim after an impressive start to the season.
# 15 - New York Giants (previous: 14)
New York controls the NFC East for now, but they've been known to collapse in seasons past.
# 14 - New York Jets (previous: 11)
The Jets set themselves up to take a big leap forward or a huge step back with their talk leading up to the game against the Patriots… and New England sent them reeling backwards.
# 13 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 13)
Gutty call to go for it on 4th and inches in overtime… but even if it had worked, the Falcons still would have needed to go at least another 30-40 yards before they could kick a winning field goal themselves.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 17)
The Titans looked lifeless a few weeks ago, but now suddenly have decided they won’t let the Texans run away with the division without a fight.
# 11 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 15)
Dallas is in the easiest part of their schedule… and they need to continue to make the most of it.
# 10 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 6)
Tough loss against the Steelers, but the Bengals have nothing to be ashamed about.
# 9 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 10)
The Steelers have decided not to qo quietly into the night.
# 8 - Detroit Lions (previous: 4)
With the undefeated season long gone, Detroit now has to scramble just to keep up in the division.
# 7 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 7)
The Saints can rest easy during the bye week now that they have complete control over their own destiny.
# 6 - Chicago Bears (previous: 12)
Power defense, superb special teams and a solid running game… nothing says Bears football better than these three things coming together in devastating fashion.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - New England Patriots (previous: 8)
A big win over the Jets has given the Patriots some of their momentum back.
# 4 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 3)
That's twice now the Ravens have played way down to their opponent's level. Keep it up and Baltimore's season will come to a tragic end sooner rather than later.
# 3 - Houston Texans (previous: 5)
The Texans have absolutely played themselves into Creative Elite status, but Schaub's injury could put a damper on their season if defenses start loading up to stop Houston's impressive running game.
# 2 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 2)
San Francisco will be the first team to clinch a division title. Now they need to focus on gaining home field advantage throughout the playoffs, because nobody wants to play at Lambeau in January.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
The Packers continue to make it look easy and remain the class of the NFL.
Week 10 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Buffalo Bills (-7), Carolina Panthers (-6), Detroit Lions (-4), Cincinnati Bengals (-4), New York Jets (-3)
The Biggest Movers - Chicago Bears (+6), Tennessee Titans (+5), Dallas Cowboys (+4), Denver Broncos (+4), Arizona Cardinals (+4)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), San Francisco 49ers (2), New Orleans Saints (7), Atlanta Falcons (13), Kansas City Chiefs (23), St. Louis Rams (31), Indianapolis Colts (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 10
Green Bay Packers
Check back later for predictions regarding tonight's game between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets... aka, Arrogance vs Humility.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
The Forked Few~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 32)
The bye week has finally arrived for the Colts.
# 31 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 31)
Just when you think the Rams might have figured something out, they drop another one to a suspect team like the Browns.
# 30 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 27)
Yes, the Packers are scary good. But on national TV, against a hated division rival, you'd think the Vikings would have mustered a little bit more effort.
# 29 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 26)
Congrats! You beat the Rams. Now what?
# 28 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 30)
Isn’t it amazing how two straight victories can take the pressure off a team that lost seven in a row to start the season?
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 21)
Everybody, including the Panthers, expected more from Carolina coming out of their bye week.
# 26 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 29)
Good news for the Jaguars - they get to play the Colts again this season.
# 25 - Washington Redskins (previous: 22)
6 straight losses and the Redskins are still well on their way to finishing 3-13 after starting 3-0.
# 24 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 28)
I don’t get this team. Please decide once and for all if you are good or not so people can get on with their lives.
# 23 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 23)
When the other team only completes two passes against you, it is usually considered good form not to let one of those two completions result in a touchdown. Talk about humiliating.
# 22 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 20)
The Young Bucs are going through a sophomore funk and will need at least another year under their belts before they can seriously challenge the Falcons and the Saints for the division title.
# 21 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 25)
Could a Skelton-Kolb quarterback controversy be on the horizon? That certainly doesn't have the same ring as Montana-Young, does it?
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Denver Broncos (previous: 24)
Tim Tebow may be setting quarterback play back a generation or two, but despite what Revis says, the Tebow-led veer offense of the Broncos is anything but boring.
# 19 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 18)
Just when you think the Chargers couldn’t underachieve any more…
# 18 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 16)
The dream has become a nightmare for fans in Philly and I can honestly say it does not bother me one bit.
# 17 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 19)
The Raiders are all alone at the top of the standings in the one division in the AFC nobody wants to win.
# 16 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 9)
The Bills were completely outclassed by the Cowboys last weekend and now their playoff hopes are starting to dim after an impressive start to the season.
# 15 - New York Giants (previous: 14)
New York controls the NFC East for now, but they've been known to collapse in seasons past.
# 14 - New York Jets (previous: 11)
The Jets set themselves up to take a big leap forward or a huge step back with their talk leading up to the game against the Patriots… and New England sent them reeling backwards.
# 13 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 13)
Gutty call to go for it on 4th and inches in overtime… but even if it had worked, the Falcons still would have needed to go at least another 30-40 yards before they could kick a winning field goal themselves.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 17)
The Titans looked lifeless a few weeks ago, but now suddenly have decided they won’t let the Texans run away with the division without a fight.
# 11 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 15)
Dallas is in the easiest part of their schedule… and they need to continue to make the most of it.
# 10 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 6)
Tough loss against the Steelers, but the Bengals have nothing to be ashamed about.
# 9 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 10)
The Steelers have decided not to qo quietly into the night.
# 8 - Detroit Lions (previous: 4)
With the undefeated season long gone, Detroit now has to scramble just to keep up in the division.
# 7 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 7)
The Saints can rest easy during the bye week now that they have complete control over their own destiny.
# 6 - Chicago Bears (previous: 12)
Power defense, superb special teams and a solid running game… nothing says Bears football better than these three things coming together in devastating fashion.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - New England Patriots (previous: 8)
A big win over the Jets has given the Patriots some of their momentum back.
# 4 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 3)
That's twice now the Ravens have played way down to their opponent's level. Keep it up and Baltimore's season will come to a tragic end sooner rather than later.
# 3 - Houston Texans (previous: 5)
The Texans have absolutely played themselves into Creative Elite status, but Schaub's injury could put a damper on their season if defenses start loading up to stop Houston's impressive running game.
# 2 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 2)
San Francisco will be the first team to clinch a division title. Now they need to focus on gaining home field advantage throughout the playoffs, because nobody wants to play at Lambeau in January.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
The Packers continue to make it look easy and remain the class of the NFL.
Week 10 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Buffalo Bills (-7), Carolina Panthers (-6), Detroit Lions (-4), Cincinnati Bengals (-4), New York Jets (-3)
The Biggest Movers - Chicago Bears (+6), Tennessee Titans (+5), Dallas Cowboys (+4), Denver Broncos (+4), Arizona Cardinals (+4)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), San Francisco 49ers (2), New Orleans Saints (7), Atlanta Falcons (13), Kansas City Chiefs (23), St. Louis Rams (31), Indianapolis Colts (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 10
Green Bay Packers
Check back later for predictions regarding tonight's game between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets... aka, Arrogance vs Humility.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Week 10 Results (2011) ~ "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..."
The fantasy playoff picture is starting to gain some clarity after 10 weeks of action. With only two weeks remaining, every point could mean the difference between getting invited to the postseason dance and sitting at home with 19 other losers not good enough to play beyond the first 12 weeks of the season.
In week 10, only the New York Giants managed to win a fantasy game they lost in real life. The 49ers, 8-1 in real life, are just barely above .500 in the fantasy standings.
High score of the week goes to the suddenly explosive Dallas Cowboys, who scored 117 points against the Buffalo Bills.
Low score falls to the Buffalo Bills at 24 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 44 points the Dallas Cowboys scored against them. Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Minnesota Vikings also failed to score more fantasy points than the real number of points scored against them by the Texans and packers, respectively.
Closest Game of the Week: New Orleans Saints 81, Atlanta Falcons 77. The only overtime game all week results in the closest fantasy game of the week. New Orleans outlasted Atlanta and clinched the NFC South title to become the first team to clinch a playoff spot.
Fantasy Stars of the Week: Chicago Bears Defense, 36 points. The Bears D becomes the first defense to capture the highest "individual" score of the season.
PLAYOFF PICTURE
With 2 weeks remaining in the Creative Misfortune fantasy regular season, the following teams have clinched a fantasy playoff spot (weeks 13-16):
New Orleans Saints (clinched NFC South title; can be seeded no lower than 3rd)
The following teams have been eliminated from post-season play (weeks 13-16):
Miami Dolphins
Kansas City Chiefs
Washington Redskins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams
Denver Broncos
Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings
Week 10 Game Results:
Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers
Fantasy Score: Oakland Raiders 95, San Diego Chargers 58
Oakland's Key Performers: Michael Bush (29), Denarius Moore (24), Carson Palmer (15)
San Diego's Key Performers: Vincent Brown (15), Philip Rivers (14), Mike Tolbert (6)
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Fantasy Score: Denver Broncos 54, Kansas City Chiefs 33
Denver's Key Performers: Tim Tebow (16), Eric Decker (11), Lance Ball (9)
Kansas City's Key Performers: Matt Cassel (8), Dexter McCluster (8), Jackie Battle (6)
Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins
Fantasy Score: Miami Dolphins 61, Washington Redskins 41
Washington's Key Performers: Leonard Hankerson (10), Graham Gano (8), Defense (6)
Miami's Key Performers: Reggie Bush (16), Defense (11), Brandon Marshall (9)
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Fantasy Score: Chicago Bears 79, Detroit Lions 42
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (9), Jason Hanson (7), Nate Burleson (7)
Chicago's Key Performers: Defense (36), Robbie Gould (15), Matt Forte (12)
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles
Fantasy Score: Arizona Cardinals 80, Philadelphia Eagles 51
Arizona's Key Performers: Larry Fitzgerald (26), John Skelton (21), Early Doucet (8)
Philadelphia's Key Performers: LeSean McCoy (15), DCefense (14), Michael Vick (8)
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 81, Atlanta Falcons 77
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (20), John Kasay (17), Jimmy Graham (14)
Atlanta's Key Performers: Matt Ryan (20), Tony Gonzalez (13), Harry Douglas (13)
St. Louis Rams at Cleveland Browns
Fantasy Score: Cleveland Browns 57, St. Louis Rams 50
St. Louis' Key Performers: Steven Jackson (12), Brandon Lloyd (10), Sam Bradford (8)
Cleveland's Key Performers: Phil Dawson (13), Chris Ogbonnaya (10), Greg Little (9)
Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 99, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (30), Matt Schaub (17), Defense (16)
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Preston Parker (7), Kregg Lumpkin (6), Josh Freeman (6)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 69, Cincinnati Bengals 54
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Rashard Mendenhall (18), Ben Roethlisberger (11), Mike Wallace (8)
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Andy Dalton (10), A.J. Green (9), Jermaine Gresham (8)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy Score: Jacksonville Jaguars 59, Indianapolis Colts 30
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (19), Defense (18), Jarrett Dillard (9)
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Jacob Tamme (7), Donald Brown (6), Defense (5)
New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 73, San Francisco 49ers 62
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (16), Mario Manningham (13), Hakeem Nicks (10)
San Francisco's Key Performers: David Akers (15), Alex Smith (15), Kendall Hunter (10)
Buffalo Bills at Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 117, Buffalo Bills 24
Buffalo's Key Performers: Fred Jackson (9), David Nelson (9), Ryan Fitzpatrick (5)
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (22), DeMarco Murray (22), Laurent Robinson (19)
Baltimore Ravens at Seattle Seahawks
Fantasy Score: Seattle Seahawks 60, Baltimore Ravens 54
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ed Dickson (19), Joe Flacco (12), Ray Rice (11)
Seattle's Key Performers: Marshawn Lynch (21), Steven Hauschka (16), Tarvaris Jackson (8)
Tennessee Titans at Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Score: Tennessee Titans 92, Carolina Panthers 32
Tennessee's Key Performers: Chris Johnson (23), Defense (22), Damian Williams (16)
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (11), Legedu Naanee (7), Jonathan Stewart (4)
New England Patriots at New York Jets
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 105, New York Jets 55
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (25), Rob Gronkowski (23), Defense (18)
New York's Key Performers: Mark Sanchez (19), Plaxico Burress (9), Santonio Holmes (9)
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 96, Minnesota Vikings 31
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (11), Christian Ponder (6), Percy Harvin (6)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (28), Jordy Nelson (18), Defense (15)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings.
In week 10, only the New York Giants managed to win a fantasy game they lost in real life. The 49ers, 8-1 in real life, are just barely above .500 in the fantasy standings.
High score of the week goes to the suddenly explosive Dallas Cowboys, who scored 117 points against the Buffalo Bills.
Low score falls to the Buffalo Bills at 24 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 44 points the Dallas Cowboys scored against them. Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Minnesota Vikings also failed to score more fantasy points than the real number of points scored against them by the Texans and packers, respectively.
Closest Game of the Week: New Orleans Saints 81, Atlanta Falcons 77. The only overtime game all week results in the closest fantasy game of the week. New Orleans outlasted Atlanta and clinched the NFC South title to become the first team to clinch a playoff spot.
Fantasy Stars of the Week: Chicago Bears Defense, 36 points. The Bears D becomes the first defense to capture the highest "individual" score of the season.
PLAYOFF PICTURE
With 2 weeks remaining in the Creative Misfortune fantasy regular season, the following teams have clinched a fantasy playoff spot (weeks 13-16):
New Orleans Saints (clinched NFC South title; can be seeded no lower than 3rd)
The following teams have been eliminated from post-season play (weeks 13-16):
Miami Dolphins
Kansas City Chiefs
Washington Redskins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams
Denver Broncos
Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings
Week 10 Game Results:
Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers
Fantasy Score: Oakland Raiders 95, San Diego Chargers 58
Oakland's Key Performers: Michael Bush (29), Denarius Moore (24), Carson Palmer (15)
San Diego's Key Performers: Vincent Brown (15), Philip Rivers (14), Mike Tolbert (6)
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Fantasy Score: Denver Broncos 54, Kansas City Chiefs 33
Denver's Key Performers: Tim Tebow (16), Eric Decker (11), Lance Ball (9)
Kansas City's Key Performers: Matt Cassel (8), Dexter McCluster (8), Jackie Battle (6)
Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins
Fantasy Score: Miami Dolphins 61, Washington Redskins 41
Washington's Key Performers: Leonard Hankerson (10), Graham Gano (8), Defense (6)
Miami's Key Performers: Reggie Bush (16), Defense (11), Brandon Marshall (9)
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Fantasy Score: Chicago Bears 79, Detroit Lions 42
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (9), Jason Hanson (7), Nate Burleson (7)
Chicago's Key Performers: Defense (36), Robbie Gould (15), Matt Forte (12)
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles
Fantasy Score: Arizona Cardinals 80, Philadelphia Eagles 51
Arizona's Key Performers: Larry Fitzgerald (26), John Skelton (21), Early Doucet (8)
Philadelphia's Key Performers: LeSean McCoy (15), DCefense (14), Michael Vick (8)
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 81, Atlanta Falcons 77
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (20), John Kasay (17), Jimmy Graham (14)
Atlanta's Key Performers: Matt Ryan (20), Tony Gonzalez (13), Harry Douglas (13)
St. Louis Rams at Cleveland Browns
Fantasy Score: Cleveland Browns 57, St. Louis Rams 50
St. Louis' Key Performers: Steven Jackson (12), Brandon Lloyd (10), Sam Bradford (8)
Cleveland's Key Performers: Phil Dawson (13), Chris Ogbonnaya (10), Greg Little (9)
Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 99, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (30), Matt Schaub (17), Defense (16)
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Preston Parker (7), Kregg Lumpkin (6), Josh Freeman (6)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 69, Cincinnati Bengals 54
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Rashard Mendenhall (18), Ben Roethlisberger (11), Mike Wallace (8)
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Andy Dalton (10), A.J. Green (9), Jermaine Gresham (8)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy Score: Jacksonville Jaguars 59, Indianapolis Colts 30
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (19), Defense (18), Jarrett Dillard (9)
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Jacob Tamme (7), Donald Brown (6), Defense (5)
New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 73, San Francisco 49ers 62
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (16), Mario Manningham (13), Hakeem Nicks (10)
San Francisco's Key Performers: David Akers (15), Alex Smith (15), Kendall Hunter (10)
Buffalo Bills at Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 117, Buffalo Bills 24
Buffalo's Key Performers: Fred Jackson (9), David Nelson (9), Ryan Fitzpatrick (5)
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (22), DeMarco Murray (22), Laurent Robinson (19)
Baltimore Ravens at Seattle Seahawks
Fantasy Score: Seattle Seahawks 60, Baltimore Ravens 54
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ed Dickson (19), Joe Flacco (12), Ray Rice (11)
Seattle's Key Performers: Marshawn Lynch (21), Steven Hauschka (16), Tarvaris Jackson (8)
Tennessee Titans at Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Score: Tennessee Titans 92, Carolina Panthers 32
Tennessee's Key Performers: Chris Johnson (23), Defense (22), Damian Williams (16)
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (11), Legedu Naanee (7), Jonathan Stewart (4)
New England Patriots at New York Jets
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 105, New York Jets 55
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (25), Rob Gronkowski (23), Defense (18)
New York's Key Performers: Mark Sanchez (19), Plaxico Burress (9), Santonio Holmes (9)
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 96, Minnesota Vikings 31
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (11), Christian Ponder (6), Percy Harvin (6)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (28), Jordy Nelson (18), Defense (15)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - MNF - Week 10 (2011)
Only Creative Misfortune managed to pick more than 50% of Week 10's first 15 games accurately. Will a shocking Minnesota victory tonight push the prediction scores even lower?
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 15. The Vikings will put on a show, but they will fall short of the undefeated Packers.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 21. The Pack dominate the dojo on the frozen tundra.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 13. Packers by 13, Over/Under 50.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 8-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
Week 10 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. Did anybody clinch a playoff spot with only two weeks remaining in the fantasy season?
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 15. The Vikings will put on a show, but they will fall short of the undefeated Packers.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 21. The Pack dominate the dojo on the frozen tundra.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 13. Packers by 13, Over/Under 50.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 8-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
Week 10 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. Did anybody clinch a playoff spot with only two weeks remaining in the fantasy season?
Friday, November 11, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Week 10 (2011)
All teams are playing this week in a scheduling holdover from the potential lockout earlier this year. After the mess that has become of the NBA season, I'm glad the owners and players in the NFL figured out how to get games going without killing the golden goose.
Sunday Game Predictions:
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 6. The division title could be decided this week with a Saints victory.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 8. In what could be the game of the week, the Falcons get a huge win over their divisional foe.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 1. Falcons by 1, Over/Under 49.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
Tennessee Titans at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Cam Newton and Steve Smith will get the Panthers a much-deserved win coming out of their bye.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 13. Crazy that now we actually expect Cam Newton to lead his team to victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 4. Panthers by 3.5, Over/Under 46.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 4-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. The guard is finally changing in the AFC North.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 8. After their heartbreaking loss to the Ravens last weekend, the Steelers go into Cincy with renewed fire.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers by 3, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 6-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
St. Louis Rams at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 6. Both these teams are terrible, but the Rams are more emotionally beat-down after last week's heart-breaking overtime loss.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Ho-hum matchup of the weekend…
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns by 3, Over/Under 37.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns better at 3-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Buffalo Bills at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 4. In a make or break game for both teams, Dallas needs this victory more.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 6. The Bills, still reeling from their loss to the Jets, drop another one in Big D.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 6. Cowboys by 5.5, Over/Under 48.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills better at 5-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 7. The Colts started playing like they were on a bye weeks ago. With their actual bye next week, this won't be the week they rise up and win their first game of the season.
Scottie V's Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3. Indy gets their first victory of the year!
Vegas Lines Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3. Jaguars by 3, Over/Under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3. Jaguars better at 2-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Led by Tebow's unorthodox style, Denver steals a victory in KC.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 6. After a disastrous effort last weekend against Miami, the Chiefs bounce back at the expense of Tebow's Broncs.
Vegas Lines Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3. Chiefs by 3, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3. Chiefs better at 4-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3.
Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Miami Dolphins by 2. Washington is well on its way to 3-13 and Miami has taken themselves out of the running for Luck with last week's demolition of the Chiefs.
Scottie V's Pick: Miami Dolphins by 4. I think the Dolph's win last weekend was a fluke, but I'm not doing cartwheels over the Redskins either.
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami Dolphins by 4. Dolphins by 4, Over/under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 3-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 7. The Eagles have to run the table. A visit from Arizona will help get them back on the winning track.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 11. If the Eagles have any chance of salvaging their season, they better start right now at home against the Cards.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 14. Eagles by 14, Over/Under 46.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Eagles better at 3-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 14. Houston is rolling with their running backs and Tampa's run defense is suspect at best.
Scottie V's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 7. The Bucs need this game more than the Texans.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans by 3, Over/under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3.
Baltimore Ravens at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 13. Even the Ravens won’t suffer an emotional letdown against the boring Seahawks.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 13. The Ravens take sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. Ravens by 6.5, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 6-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 9. The Lions have had an extra week to prepare for their division foe and the Bears had to play on the road last Monday.
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago Bears by 8. The Lions have cooled off after their hot start and the Bears are playing good ball right now.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears by 3, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 6-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3.
New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 10. The 49ers have been scary good against East Coast teams and finally get one of them to come visit the West Coast.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 7. The Niners stand up to a hot Giants team and get the victory at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 4. 49ers by 3.5, Over/Under 42.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 7-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3.
New England Patriots at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 4. The Jets offense is not scary enough to send New England to its third straight loss.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 4. The Jets are picking up steam and the Patriots are fading.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 2. Jets by 1.5, Over/under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Both teams at 5-3, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Sunday Game Predictions:
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 6. The division title could be decided this week with a Saints victory.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 8. In what could be the game of the week, the Falcons get a huge win over their divisional foe.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 1. Falcons by 1, Over/Under 49.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
Tennessee Titans at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Cam Newton and Steve Smith will get the Panthers a much-deserved win coming out of their bye.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 13. Crazy that now we actually expect Cam Newton to lead his team to victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 4. Panthers by 3.5, Over/Under 46.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 4-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. The guard is finally changing in the AFC North.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 8. After their heartbreaking loss to the Ravens last weekend, the Steelers go into Cincy with renewed fire.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers by 3, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 6-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
St. Louis Rams at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 6. Both these teams are terrible, but the Rams are more emotionally beat-down after last week's heart-breaking overtime loss.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Ho-hum matchup of the weekend…
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns by 3, Over/Under 37.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns better at 3-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Buffalo Bills at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 4. In a make or break game for both teams, Dallas needs this victory more.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 6. The Bills, still reeling from their loss to the Jets, drop another one in Big D.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 6. Cowboys by 5.5, Over/Under 48.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills better at 5-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 7. The Colts started playing like they were on a bye weeks ago. With their actual bye next week, this won't be the week they rise up and win their first game of the season.
Scottie V's Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3. Indy gets their first victory of the year!
Vegas Lines Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3. Jaguars by 3, Over/Under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3. Jaguars better at 2-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Led by Tebow's unorthodox style, Denver steals a victory in KC.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 6. After a disastrous effort last weekend against Miami, the Chiefs bounce back at the expense of Tebow's Broncs.
Vegas Lines Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3. Chiefs by 3, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3. Chiefs better at 4-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3.
Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Miami Dolphins by 2. Washington is well on its way to 3-13 and Miami has taken themselves out of the running for Luck with last week's demolition of the Chiefs.
Scottie V's Pick: Miami Dolphins by 4. I think the Dolph's win last weekend was a fluke, but I'm not doing cartwheels over the Redskins either.
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami Dolphins by 4. Dolphins by 4, Over/under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 3-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 7. The Eagles have to run the table. A visit from Arizona will help get them back on the winning track.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 11. If the Eagles have any chance of salvaging their season, they better start right now at home against the Cards.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 14. Eagles by 14, Over/Under 46.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Eagles better at 3-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 14. Houston is rolling with their running backs and Tampa's run defense is suspect at best.
Scottie V's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 7. The Bucs need this game more than the Texans.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans by 3, Over/under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 6-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3.
Baltimore Ravens at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 13. Even the Ravens won’t suffer an emotional letdown against the boring Seahawks.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 13. The Ravens take sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. Ravens by 6.5, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 6-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 9. The Lions have had an extra week to prepare for their division foe and the Bears had to play on the road last Monday.
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago Bears by 8. The Lions have cooled off after their hot start and the Bears are playing good ball right now.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears by 3, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 6-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3.
New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 10. The 49ers have been scary good against East Coast teams and finally get one of them to come visit the West Coast.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 7. The Niners stand up to a hot Giants team and get the victory at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 4. 49ers by 3.5, Over/Under 42.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 7-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3.
New England Patriots at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 4. The Jets offense is not scary enough to send New England to its third straight loss.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 4. The Jets are picking up steam and the Patriots are fading.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 2. Jets by 1.5, Over/under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Both teams at 5-3, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
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